How to Bet on Tennis: Complete 2024 Guide for 2024 + Tips

Are you interested in learning how to bet on tennis like a pro?

Whether you’re just getting started with sports betting or you’re an experienced gambler looking for the best way to bet on tennis, this exciting sport offers some unique opportunities to win big. Although matches run all year round with little breaks, tennis isn’t as straightforward to bet on as football or basketball — but that’s what makes it more exciting.

This expert guide outlines a stepwise approach to tennis betting alongside best practices, betting strategies, and tips to help you pick winners and cash tickets in no time. At Elite Pickz, we provide profitable picks to help you make calculated bets — join our Discord channel today to get started.

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A 4-Step Guide on How to Bet on Tennis

Here is a straightforward 4-step approach to betting on tennis. Ensure to read to the end of this tennis betting guide to explore additional information like common tennis betting mistakes to avoid.

• Choose a credible sportsbook.
• Select a tournament to bet on.
• Understand the rules and game types.
• Place your bet.

P.S. Get our free PDF on how to actually profit sports betting here!

1. Choose a credible sportsbook.

Before embarking on your tennis betting journey, it’s crucial to select a reliable and trustworthy sportsbook.

Here are 3 reputable options to consider:

• FanDuel: A popular choice known for its user-friendly interface, competitive odds, and diverse betting options.
• DraftKings: Another well-established sportsbook offering a wide range of betting options, a convenient mobile app, and exciting promotions.
• BetMGM: A reputable sportsbook with a focus on in-play betting, generous welcome bonuses, and a strong reputation for customer service.

Tip: Shop for the best odds across different sportsbooks to maximize your potential payout.

2. Select a tournament to bet on.

The tennis world offers a variety of tournaments to wager on, each with its own unique dynamics and betting opportunities.

Here are a few examples:

• Grand Slam Tournaments: The four most prestigious tournaments in tennis—the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open—provide the highest level of competition and the most extensive betting options.
• ATP and WTA Tournaments: These professional tennis circuits, for men and women respectively, offer a wider range of tournaments throughout the year, providing numerous betting opportunities.
• Challenger Tournaments: These lower-level tournaments offer a chance to bet on rising stars and potentially identify value bets.

Tip: Don’t feel compelled to bet on every match. Choose your wagers strategically.

3. Understand the rules and game types

To bet on tennis and become a profitable sports bettor, you need a good knowledge of the game, including terms like odds and lines. Odds in tennis refer to the likelihood of a player winning, while the lines represent the spread of points that must be covered.

Here are 4 common bet types in tennis:

• Moneyline Odds: The moneyline odds show the payout for picking the winner straight up. This means the odds only include the one for winning. If Player A is the favorite, say -200, that means you’d have to bet $200 to win $100. If Player B is the underdog at +150, that means a $100 bet would pay out $150. The bigger the favorite, the less the payout. A good strategy is to go for the underdog if you think there’s an upset in the odds!
• Point Spreads: Point spreads, or lines, represent the margin of points a player must win by for your bet to pay out. This means you’re betting on the likelihood of a team winning or losing, and it’s the most popular type of betting in tennis and football. If Player A is -3.5, they must win by 4 points or more; if Player B is +3.5, they can lose by up to 3 points or win outright. Underdogs can easily cover the line in spreads. To increase your chance of winning, look for tight spreads within 2–3 points.
• Over/Under: Over/under, or totals, refer to the total points scored in a match. If the over/under is 21.5, over means 22 points or more will be scored, and under means 21 points or less will be scored to win the match. To choose an odd, consider the playing styles of competitors and recent scoring trends to determine if a match will be high or low-scoring.
• Prop Bets: Prop bets offer casual fans a fun way to bet on details they care about. These are bets on specific outcomes within a match, like who will win the first set, how many aces or double faults a player will have, or the exact score. The odds vary a lot based on how likely the outcomes are.

Betting on tennis requires research and tips from professional bettors. Look at head-to-heads, recent performance, court surface, and playing styles. However, you can always go with your gut — after all, upsets happen!

4. Place your bet.

With considerable knowledge and heightened anticipation, it’s time to place your bet.

Here’s how to place a tennis bet:

• Create an account: Sign up with your chosen sportsbook and deposit funds into your account.
• Navigate to the tennis section: Locate the tennis section within the sportsbook’s interface.
• Select a match: Choose the match you want to bet on from the available options.
• Choose your bet type: Decide on the type of bet you want to place, such as moneyline, game spread, over/under, futures, or prop.
• Enter your stake: Specify the amount you want to wager on your chosen bet.
• Review and confirm: Carefully review your bet slip to ensure all details are correct, then confirm your wager.

5 Factors to Consider When Gambling on Tennis Matches

When betting on tennis matches, several factors determine the outcome.

Considering these key elements will increase your chances of having a profitable sports betting journey in tennis, and they include:

1. Player Ranking and Speed: A player’s ranking and speed provide insight into their skill level and chances of advancing in a tournament. Players with speed, especially top speeds, are more likely to win their matches. However, upsets do happen, so also consider a player’s recent performance and head-to-head record against their opponent.
2. Surface and Conditions: The playing surface, setting (indoor vs outdoor), and weather conditions significantly impact a tennis match. Some players excel on certain surfaces, like hard courts or grass, while struggling on clay or carpet. Outdoor matches can be affected by sun, wind, and heat, which may favor players who are more physically fit. Indoor matches are not impacted by weather, but the court surface type still plays a role. So, do your research on these conditions and the players involved before placing a bet.
3. Recent Performance and Statistics: A player’s current form and performance in recent matches is a good indicator of how they may fare in an upcoming match. Look at their win/loss record over the past 3–6 months, titles or finals reached, and statistics like aces, double faults, and break points converted. Players on a hot streak with confidence will often continue their winning ways, while those struggling to find their form may be more prone to upsets.
4. Head-to-Head Matchups: Some players simply match up better against certain opponents. Review the head-to-head record between the players to determine if one has a clear edge. Even if one player is ranked higher, their opponent may have the upper hand in previous meetings, especially recently. Stylistic matchups and left-handed vs right-handed pairings can also play a role in the game outcome.
5. Injuries and Fatigue: In a physically demanding sport like tennis, injuries, illnesses, and fatigue are factors to consider, especially in long tournaments. Players frequently compete with small, nagging injuries, but more serious conditions can hamper their movement, power, and endurance. Multiple long matches in a short time also deplete a player’s energy, which may give their agile opponent an advantage. When betting, look for any news on players’ health and fitness ahead of their matches.

A lot of thought and research goes into making the best tennis bets. If you’re unable to devote time and resources to such in-depth analysis, we recommend joining our Discord channel to receive profitable picks from our team of professional sports bettors at Elite Pickz.

4 Live Tennis Betting Tips and Strategies

Sports betting on tennis live matches allows you to get in on the action as the match unfolds.

Here are 4 tips and strategies to help you get the best out of this betting approach:

• Analyze the match dynamics.
• Consider the players’ styles.
• Look for momentum shifts.
• Hedge your bets.

1. Analyze the match dynamics.

Pay attention to how the match is progressing to determine if the odds accurately reflect what’s happening on the court. If a player is clearly dominating or their opponent seems off their game, the live odds may lag, giving you an opportunity.

Look for signs like:

• Unforced Errors: If a player is making a lot of mistakes, they may be rattled or tired.
• First Serve Percentage: A low percentage means more second serves, which can be foiled.
• Breakpoint Conversions: Failure to convert breakpoints may indicate a player is struggling in key moments.
• Injuries or Fatigue: Any physical issues during the match could impact a player’s performance and the match outcome.

2. Consider the players’ styles.

Some players feed off the energy of the crowd, while others struggle with the pressure. Know how each player handles big moments and use it to your advantage. Players who are typically aggressive may continue pressing their opponent, while defensive players may tighten up. Stylistic mismatches also often become more pronounced as the match goes on.

3. Look for momentum shifts.

Every match has ebbs and flows. Look for signs the momentum may be shifting and get your bet in before the odds change.

Some indicators include:

• Breaks of Serve: When a player breaks their opponent’s serve, especially after failing to do so earlier, it can signal a momentum shift.
• Long Rallies: If a player starts winning more extended rallies, it may show they’ve found their rhythm and timing.
• Fist Pumps: Players often get energized after a big point. Look for more energized body language like fist pumps and get your bet in quickly.

4. Hedge your bets.

If you’ve bet on a player to win before the match starts, live betting on the other player is a way professional sports bettors hedge a bet and guarantee a profit. For example, if you bet on Player A to win and they go up a set, you can bet on Player B to win the second set — that way, you’ll win money regardless of the outcome. Look for spots where the odds on the other player become tempting enough to hedge your initial wager. We recommend using a tool like our hedging and arbitrage calculator to determine the optimal bet size.

With the right strategies, live tennis betting can keep you on the edge of your seat while also padding your wallet. Stay engaged, think critically about the match, and be ready to pounce on opportunities as they emerge.

4 Important Stats and Analytics for Tennis Betting

Making smart tennis bets goes beyond just following a tennis bet guide; you need to do your homework. Studying stats and analytics is key — it’s what the pros at ElitePickz use to consistently record more wins than losses in the long run. The pros don’t just rely on instinct; they analyze data to determine the strongest bets.

Here are 4 tennis betting metrics the pros use to gain an edge:

1. Recent Form: Recent form is a strong indicator of confidence and skill level leading into a match. Look at players’ recent wins and losses over the last 3–6 months. A player on a hot streak with several recent titles or finals appearances has momentum on their side. Those in a slump, with early-round exits, are riskier bets.
2. Surface Specialists: As mentioned earlier, some players excel on certain surfaces like hard court, clay, or grass. Look for players with a proven track record of success on the surface they’re playing on. Surface specialists will often dominate opponents who don’t play as well on that surface.
3. Return of Serve: Players with a high percentage of return points won have an advantage as they’re able to neutralize the other player’s serve. Look for stats showing the percentage of return points won, especially on break points. Players who convert a high percentage of break points have a knack for exposing an opponent’s weak serve.
4. Break Point Conversion: Speaking of breakpoints, look at each player’s break point conversion percentage. The player who converts a higher percentage of their break-point opportunities often has a better chance of winning. They’re able to take advantage of opportunities to break serve, which is key to winning a tennis match.

Using a combination of these stats, you can determine which players have significant advantages that point to a likely win. Of course, there are no guarantees, but in the long run, the numbers don’t lie. Do your homework, analyze the stats, and only bet when the odds clearly favor one player. With the right data on your side, you’ll gain an edge and win more often.

6 Best Practices for Bankroll Management in Tennis Betting

To ensure successful gambling on tennis and increase your winning percentage as a professional sports bettor, you have to master the art of effective bankroll management.

Some best practices include the following:

1. Set a budget: Decide how much you can afford to bet throughout a season or tournament. Only bet what you can afford to lose. As a guide, 5% of your bankroll per bet is reasonable — if you have $1,000 to bet with, wager $50 or less per match.
2. Bet small to start: If you’re a beginner in betting, we recommend making smaller bets while you get a feel for it. Start with $1 or $2 bets before increasing. This allows you to gain experience without risking too much. Once you’re winning more bets, you can gradually increase your stakes.
3. Consider unit betting: With unit betting, you bet a fixed amount, like $10 or $20, on each wager. If you win, your next bet is also $10 or $20. This keeps you from betting more just because you’re on a hot streak. As a result, your bets stay consistent and within your budget. And if you lose a bet, you don’t lose much; plus, you can always recover losses in the next win.
4. Be disciplined: Only gamble with money you can afford to lose. Make a budget and stick to it. Don’t bet more just to chase losses or double down when you’re winning big — discipline is key.
5. Diversify your bets: Don’t put all your money on one match or player; spread your bets out across different players, matches, and tournaments. This reduces risk and increases your chances of winning. Look for value bets where the odds don’t accurately reflect a player’s chance of winning — our value bet calculator is a great tool for computing the associated odds.
6. Review and revise: Analyze your wins and losses to see what’s working and not working. Look for patterns in your successful bets to refine your strategy. Be willing to make changes to become a smarter bettor. What adjustments can you make to bet smarter next season? That’s the question you should ask while refining your betting strategy.

4 Common Tennis Betting Mistakes to Avoid

While the above tips should give you confidence for your next betting rounds, there are certain mistakes to watch out for to fully understand how to bet on tennis. Avoiding these common pitfalls will help increase your chances of winning.

Here are 4 major betting mistakes to steer clear of when gambling on tennis:

1. Betting With Your Heart, Not Your Head: When betting, you’ll likely bet on your favorite players or teams, but this can be risky — don’t let emotions cloud your judgment. Instead of simply choosing a team you like, analyze matchups objectively by considering players’ head-to-head records, recent performance, and how their playing styles compare on different surfaces. It’s safer to only bet on matches where you can make an informed, unbiased decision.
2. Not Doing Your Homework: With so many tennis matches and players to keep track of, it’s crucial to do thorough research. Study players’ records, rankings, as well as recent wins and losses. See if any player is coming into the match with an injury. Also, examine the odds and see if any matchups seem incorrectly valued. The more background knowledge you have, the more confident you can feel in your bets.
3. Betting Too Much Money at Once: Betting a large portion of your bankroll on any one match is a recipe for disaster. Only bet 1–5% of your total betting funds on any single matchup. This way, a few losses won’t wipe you out, and you’ll still have money left to bet on other matches. Start with small bets as you learn, and slowly increase your bet size as you gain experience.
4. Making Live Bets Too Quickly: It can be exciting to make live bets as a match unfolds, but avoid getting overeager. Wait to see how the first few games or sets play out so you can determine how the players are matching up that day, who has momentum, and who has or is likely to develop injuries. In addition, look for any changes in the live odds that seem incorrect. Live betting is riskier since so much can change, so make sure to bet conservatively.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to bet on tennis spread?

To bet on a tennis spread, wager on the margin of victory in a match or set. The spread is represented by a number preceded by a plus (+) or minus (-) sign. The favorite will have a negative (-) spread, indicating the number of games or sets they need to win by to cover the spread. The underdog will have a positive (+) spread, indicating the maximum number of games or sets they can lose by to cover the spread. If the actual outcome falls within the spread, the bet wins.

What is the most profitable way to bet on tennis?

The most profitable way to bet on tennis is to identify value bets, which are wagers where the implied probability of an outcome is higher than your true assessment of its probability. This requires in-depth knowledge of tennis players, their playing styles, and past performances. You’ll also need a free value bet calculator to aid your research.

What does 1st set over 9.5 mean in tennis?

“1st set over 9.5” means the total number of games played in the first set will be greater than 9.5. Therefore, if you bet on “1st set over 9.5,” you’re betting that there will be at least 10 games played in the first set.

Is tennis an easy sport to bet on?

Tennis is a relatively easy sport to bet on, given its abundant betting options. However, successful betting requires thorough research and an understanding of player tendencies and surface conditions.

Conclusion

You now have the inside scoop on how to bet on tennis and understand how the pros pick winners and make smart wagers. The only thing left is to put your newfound knowledge to the test. Pick a match, do your research, find a good bet, and enjoy the thrill of victory when your player comes out on top. To receive mathematically proven picks on tennis games, we recommend joining our Discord channel.